The Oakland City Council honored the East Bay Warriors (EBW) Pop Warner Football and Cheer teams Tuesday night for their participation in the Pop Warner Super Bowl And National Cheerleading Championships in Florida

Councilmember Larry Reid honored the teams for their efforts to promote athletics and academics in Oakland.

“I want to thank the coaches for all of their hard work and diligence shaping these young men and women,” he said, urging the young athletes to “make sure you surround yourself with people that are loving, caring and positive.”

The East Bay Warriors Junior Pee Wee, Junior Midget and Midget football teams and cheer squads range in age from 9-14 and often represent the Warriors at the annual Florida championship.

Each team has its own name, such as the Wolves, Wildcats and Wranglers.

“Thank you all so much for the continued support. We couldn’t have gotten this far without help from the community,” said Fredrick Pugh, president of the East Bay Warriors. “We look forward to having [another] successful season and program.”

Players are required to submit progress reports and their report cards. Last season, team members had over 100 Pop Warner National Scholars and earned an overall grade-point-average of 3.4.

The council also honored members of the East Bay Dragons Motorcycle Club for 55 years of

East Bay Dragons founder Tobie Gene Livingston stands with council members Desley Brooks and Larry Reid as they honor the East Bay Dragons during a city council meeting. Photo by Spencer Whitney

service to the community.

“The East Bay Dragons have been a positive social outlet for African American men in Oakland and have a long and fond record of service in the community,” said Councilmember Desley Brooks during the presentation.

“They have supported many charitable organizations and movements including a cure for breast cancer, AIDS awareness, and violence prevention,” Brooks said.

Councilmember Larry Reid added that he was proud of what the organization has accomplished. He urged the group to help the city find a solution to youth gun violence.

The motorcycle club was founded in the 1950s, originally as a car club, by Tobie Gene Livingston, who dealt with street disputes with rival clubs, ethnic stereotypes, and racial tensions.